she sees him every day when he gets back from school. she smiles, he smiles. she waves, he waves. one day she tries to start a conversation.
[ johnny cade ]
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CHAPTER XVI DECEMBER THIRTY FIRST & JANUARY FIRST !
The best way to bring in the new year was with family and friends, because of this Darry decided that they should all get together on New Years at the Curtis house instead of Imogen's. Imogen agreed as long as she could bring her parents. The gang all (hesitantly) agreed that Imogen's parents could join if they want, but the Ansons declined saying they'd rather spend New Years at their own home. Imogen figured they just wanted to be alone.
She was sat on the couch, focused on the wrestling match between Steve and Two-Bit. Johnny's old jean jacket was wrapped tightly around her due to the cold wind blowing through the house from where someone had left the door open. She clapped her hands as Two-Bit seemed to beat Steve at whatever they were fighting over.
Imogen leaned back on the couch and moved her attention to where Johnny was talking quietly with Ponyboy. She blushes as both of boys look over at her, Johnny smiles as Ponyboy laughs. Imogen didn't know what was so funny.
Darry shouts that the snacks were done, almost all the boys went to grab food leaving Imogen and Johnny by themselves. Johnny reaches over and takes her notebook. She watches as hesitates before writing:
So...you and Sodapop
Imogen blushes, what about it
Nothing you're just close I guess.
Imogen frowns, Not as close as us.
Do you like him?
Imogen quickly grabbed the pen out of Johnny's hand, No!
Johnny looks a bit relieved after that and closes the notebook. Imogen looks at him questionably but drops the subject and gets up to go get food.
—
Imogen stares at the deck of cards in her hands, she wasn't sure what game they were playing. She was positive everyone was playing a different game but she didn't mind. Johnny nudged her, indicating it was her turn. Imogen laid a card down in the pile, unsure of why there was a pile in the middle.
The game soon ended when Sodapop threw all his cards at Steve and the two began wrestling.
Dallas came back from where he left for the store holding a pack of beer and cigarettes. He passes each out, Imogen declines.
—
She stared at the clock, watching the boys begin to count down from twenty. She saw Johnny laughing and counting as well, eyes focused on the clock. Imogen watches as all the boys cheer when the clock shows its midnight and she claps, laughing.
Johnny turns toward her with a large smile on his face and pulls her into a hug. Imogen can feel her heart pounding as they pull away, still close enough.
"We should head out," Johnny says after a few moments.
Imogen nods and rises from her seat on the couch. She hugs everyone goodbye, settling for nodding at Dallas who was still drinking his beer. She takes Johnny's hand and the pair leave the Curtis house.
They stopped in front of her house, neither going to unlock the gate. The lights were still on inside and she could faintly see the TV on a static screen.
"Bye, Johnny," She signs, releasing his hand.
Neither move from their spot. Imogen feels her heart pace quicken as Johnny moves closer to her. He pulls her in for another hug, making her sigh.
Johnny pulls away first, turning to leave but Imogen grabs his hand. Johnny stares at her confused before she places her hands on either side of his face and kisses him. She pulls away moments later, face heating up when seeing him still standing there with his eyes closed and lips parted.
Johnny slowly looks at her, a silly smile on his face. She smiles and turns to unlock the gate. Imogen turns back to look at him one last time as she opens her front gate.
Johnny gives her a shy smile and turns to walk to his own house.
January 1st 1966 I kissed him.
—
Yo this is the end, crazy. thanks for the lovely comments and votes! I love you all so much, thanks for reading!!
